Petrov could return for Villa

The 27-year-old will be given as long as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the match after struggling with a hamstring injury in recent weeks. However, other players on the sidelines are further away from a return to action.

Boss Martin O'Neill told the club's official site: "He (Petrov) has not been training but he has been doing strengthening exercises. He has got a programme at this minute, and we will monitor that daily.

"I spoke to Chris Sutton on Monday and there is still no rapid improvement. Obviously, Craig Gardner will take a little bit of time. Luke Moore would have liked to have played on Tuesday night. We are monitoring him during training.

"I think the physios, having just come back and got the all-clear and going really well, would maybe just like him to do a wee bit more training for a while before he gets back into it."

With or without Petrov, and given some of his performances since his £6.5million move from Celtic his inclusion may not make a difference, there is no doubt that Villa have to win the match against basement-side Watford to re-ignite their season.

After 21 games, Watford have only picked-up all three-points on one occasion and anything less than a win for Villa would surely be seen as disastrous.

Hate to say it but a DRAW looks like the most likely result on Saturday. Watford won't go for it. They'll play "up and at em" and defend from the off hoping to nick one (like Bolton), great strategy against us as we couldn't score in a brothel

We need a good showing from Petrov to dispel the recent rumours as to whether his ambitions are still at VP. Watford will almost certainly play for the draw so expect "spoiling" tactics. My (4,4.2) team would be – Sorenson. Bardesley, Mellberg, Cahill, Bouma, Petrov, Osbourne, McCann, Barry, Baros, Agbonlahor. Bench– Taylor, Ridgewell, Hendrie, Davis, Angel.

I wasn't meaning to be negative. Just the table and peformances don't lie. We've struggled to score goals and not had much luck lately. I'm looking beyond this game and a win against a top six team would give us far more confidence. I just wish Ridge's header had gone in against Chelski

Will be good to see him back. Hope he's refreshed, recharged, and ready to silence his growing number of critics. We need someone out there to take this game by the scruff of the neck, and inspire the lads to a much needed victory. Step forward Stan!